The Evolution of Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie: A Look Back at Trashy/Classy Reality Star Style

Date July 18, 2014

Paris Hilton Nicole Richie Style — Photography by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie style over the years »

A lot has happened since Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie burst onto the scene with their 2003 mega-hit reality show The Simple Life. Their chronic party girl ways (a leaked sex tape, multiple arrests, and some really questionable fashion choices) have been left in the past, but thanks to the Internet, their trashy early 2000s style will live on forever. In honour of the duo’s return to the spotlight—Richie’s reality show #CandidlyNicole and Hilton’s sparkly music career comeback with a pop video—we decided it was time to take a look back at the style metamorphosis of these reality TV veterans.

Once known for their piecey blonde extensions and matching purse-pups these Hollywood socialites donned some rather tasteless outfits during their time as reality royalty (think, very wealthy with no taste and a unwavering love of all things pink). With their exaggerated hand-on-hip posing and signature pouts (smiling wasn’t hot in the early oughts) they were the It girls of the moment, wealthy babes turn reality stars before anyone even cared about Kim Kardashian.

In 2007, the BFFs went their separate ways, bringing an end to their five-season reality reign. Leaving their wild ways behind proved beneficial for both. Nicole Richie has blossomed into a full-fledged fashion designer establishing her own line, House of Harlow 1960. While Paris Hilton has developed into a savvy business woman with 45 Paris Hilton stores in more than 40 countries, a nearly $2 billion dollar fragrance collection, and a healthy 17 product lines while still making time to summer in Ibiza as a resident DJ.

Though Hilton has remained true to her Barbie-esque style while Richie has developed a more multidimensional approach to fashion, these two have developed into successful women in their own right. Flip through for a double flashback dose.

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Paris Hilton Nicole Richie Style 01

November 17, 2001: Hilton and Richie attend Maxim Lounge Opening. Richie is wearing pointed-toe heels, bootleg trouser, and a sequin American flag halter. Hilton is wearing head-to-toe pink complete with barbie bag and tiara.

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Paris Hilton Nicole Richie Style 02

December 10, 2003: Hilton and Richie attend the Billboard Music Awards in matching white ensembles and horrific extensions.

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Paris Hilton Nicole Richie Style 03

January 19, 2004: Hilton and Richie pose for portraits during the Sundance Film Festival in the matching velour tracksuits and pouts that became their signatures.

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